Tristan Thompson: Initial Thoughts

[DougHeil]

I was sure we were not taking Jonas at 4. We didn't. If Kanter was at 4, I was sure we would trade down. Kanter wasn't there, but I did think we would trade down. Tristan is a surprise to me, but I'm fine with it. What I don't quite understand is sort of blowing off our 2nd round picks. I know we got 2 future 2nd rounders for the 32 so maybe we use those in a package trade later... don't know. The 54th pick is baffling to me though.

Overall, not sure exactly what to make of this draft yet. We did get the best player. What I do know is that we are not done with moves/trades.

 

[ice cream man]

Sounds like he is very similar to JJ in physical nature and in talent, but he shows to be a harder worker, and more of a team player. He gives more effort in smaller areas of the game and has a higher IQ. He's more polished in the things he already does well. Better hands, better shotblocker. The Cavs must think he can be an elite defender at the 4, because this guy does have some serious offensive issues to work out. I listened to some of his interviews and that really softened my stance on this pick. Not hating it so much anymore. The only reason for my disappointment is that it is so difficult to find great centers nowadays and we may have lost our chance.

 

[RealKingofCleve]

Maybe Grant sees something in a JJ/Varejao/Thompson trio with each guy playing about 30 minutes a night. JJ brings the explosive offense, Varejao the defense and Thompson the defense and rebounding. One thing is for sure, having depth in the front court is never a bad thing.

Damn, that is a small frontcourt

 

[MoFlo]

I love this attitude.

This is how it always at draft time. Some people have this idea that you simply are not allowed to criticize a pick at all. LIke you have to wait and give it time before you can say anything mean about the pick.

Ok, fine, then let's also remember not to praise the Irving pick either. Maybe he turns out to be a bust.

So, help me out. We have two of the top five picks and you're saying it's ok if we blow it one because we didn't blow it on the other? Why is that? I should be happy because I pronounce his name as opposed to getting a player I feel is better? That's silly.

It's ok to question the pick.

But it's ridiculous to call for Grant's head, claim the Cavs are screwed for the future, and threaten to "be done" with the team.

Question the pick like you belong here, not like you don't know a god damn thing about the game. That's all I ask.

Note: Not speaking to you with that last line, just those that are doing so.

 

[Layne Staley]

The only problem I have with this pick is that it is a reach...

I know the Cavs were trying to trade down and nab another pick in the process, but something must have blown in their face.

Any ideas what happened?

 

[KIisKing]

The only problem I have with this pick is that it is a reach...

I know the Cavs were trying to trade down and nab another pick in the process, but something must have blown in their face.

Any ideas what happened?

Im thinking Jonas V. going 5th is what happened.

 

[Spencer Hawes]

At first I was meh....then I did some research into Thompson and now feel that he is a solid pick at #4. He might not be a superstar but I think he will make a solid starting PF who is very coachable and in Byron's system, he may develop into a David West type player with a defensive mindset. Initially, I wanted Jonas but the more I think about it, Jonas could be the biggest bust in this draft. Thompson was a safe and solid pick. He's got the size, length and brains (hopefully) to be a solid pro and I think he will develop into one. JJ is so sporadic that it's better to get rid of his lazy arse then keep him and let him corrupt the mindset of the team.

Also, I want to add that Kanter appears to be a solid player but I always felt he was a Tyler Hansborogh clone. His lack of athleticism will hurt him at the next level. I think Tristan Thompson will develop into the 2nd best big man in this draft after Derrick Williams and I hope he proves me right.

 

[LUPE FRESH]

The only problem I have with this pick is that it is a reach...

I know the Cavs were trying to trade down and nab another pick in the process, but something must have blown in their face.

Any ideas what happened?

I think Toronto taking Jonas V completely blew up in their faces. I think many thought they were taking Vessley or Knight. That and with Kanter being gone at 3, they could no longer swing the trade with the Wizards for 6 and 18.

 

[daytripper]

I know the Cavs were trying to trade down and nab another pick in the process, but something must have blown in their face.

Any ideas what happened?

I was wondering the same thing...it's almost as if Grant/Gilbert got duped when Toronto selected Jonas. At that point they seemed to say fuck it and gave up on the rest of the draft. This draft wasn't top heavy but I still thought there were some potentially decent role players still available at the top of the 2nd round.

 

[WhoWeAre]

I would love to know what W&G thinks about Thompson, and what he thinks about the Thompson/JJ comparisons.

 

[Silky Smooth]

I have no problem with our 1st 2 picks unless it comes out that Grant wanted to get Jonas V later in a trade. My only problem is they drafted Justin Harper and then traded him for 2 future 2nd rounders. That was a waste. Then they wasted the 54 pick when there were some guards that have a much better shot at making a roster or at least get the fans hopes up.

 

[Sw33tL0u]

At first I was meh....then I did some research into Thompson and now feel that he is a solid pick at #4. He might not be a superstar but I think he will make a solid starting PF who is very coachable and in Byron's system, he may develop into a David West type player with a defensive mindset. Initially, I wanted Jonas but the more I think about it, Jonas could be the biggest bust in this draft. Thompson was a safe and solid pick. He's got the size, length and brains (hopefully) to be a solid pro and I think he will develop into one. JJ is so sporadic that it's better to get rid of his lazy arse then keep him and let him corrupt the mindset of the team.

Also, I want to add that Kanter appears to be a solid player but I always felt he was a Tyler Hansborogh clone. His lack of athleticism will hurt him at the next level. I think Tristan Thompson will develop into the 2nd best big man in this draft after Derrick Williams and I hope he proves me right.

I will GUARANTEE you he won't be anything like David West....a guy many compared Derrick Williams to.

Thompson is alot like Tyrus Thomas except for when it comes to mindset....the difference is Tyrus always wanted to prove he could be a 3, while I think Thompson realizes he is a 4....

Undersized? Maybe slightly...but his length and athleticism will make up for some of that.

I think he will be a very good shot blocker in the NBA - he has length, great timing, a great motor, and....he's left-handed....which can help.

 

[LUPE FRESH]

Re: Tristan Vs. Biyombo???

JJ Hickson is now expandable. Will bring back a first round pick next year. WATCH! He'll put up beast numbers and at the trade dead line... barra bing barra bong.

Lol Hickson was already expandable first of all. And how do we know Hickson is going to net a first round pick? After seeing what happened with the Clippers pick this year, why would anyone trade away an unprotected 1st in 2012. For all we know Hickson could start out 2011, the same way he started out 2010.

 

[wabberjocky]

I'm surprised how many people are bitching about these picks, I actually think Grant did a great job and applaud him for straying away from the "grass is always greener if you have no clue about their basketball careers pre-draft coverage" euros. Kyrie was an easy pick but I think Tristan was worth taking at 4, and I bet the two will develop good chemistry together.

 

[Lumthemad]

I really think this kid impressed the Cavaliers and others as the draft evaluation process took place. He's a well spoken kid who has a high motor and does a lot of small things to help a team win. The NBA loves the unknown and the Euro's had a mass appeal because of all of that. In terms of the position he plays and that not being a huge need for us, i'm not a fan of that. Of course , that being said....how many championship teams keep their roster together after winning 19 games?

I am willing to give a hard working, defensive minded athletic big a shot. I think in the end, if Hollingers information is accurate, we could end up with two amazing players on our team from this draft.